Engineer Fokor  Uddin Manik

Right-wing politics is no stranger to Bangladesh, but its modern form poses new challenges. No longer limited to ideology, it now manifests as a potent sociopolitical and cultural force threatening democratic values.

A key tactic of this politics is the strategic use of religious sentiment. By cloaking political agendas in moral or religious narratives, right-wing groups create a false sense of virtue. This leads to division, misinformation, and a culture where emotion outweighs reason. Extremist ideologies are no longer shouted from the streets—they now wear suits, speak eloquently online, and masquerade as reformers, while pushing the same old intolerance beneath the surface.

The effects are deeply troubling: persecution of minorities, suppression of women's rights, and rising radicalism in educational institutions. Dissent is branded as treason, creating a political environment where fear stifles freedom of thought.

Even more alarming is the attempt to influence state institutions—judiciary, media, and education—injecting suspicion and replacing neutrality with divisive narratives. This threatens the foundations of Bangladesh’s constitution and democracy.

The youth are particularly vulnerable. Many are being drawn into a distorted version of patriotism rooted in hatred rather than humanity, where diversity is rejected and fanaticism glorified.

Bangladesh was built on the ideals of secularism, democracy, and the spirit of the Liberation War. The growing strength of right-wing politics challenges these foundations. Under the guise of “moral politics” or “a third way,” this movement aims to rewrite the nation’s identity.

It is crucial to resist this drift. Religion should not be used as a political tool. A just society must be rooted in tolerance, inclusivity, and constitutional values. If we remain silent, history may judge this inaction as a betrayal of the very soul of Bangladesh.

The writer is a columnist and social activist.  He can be reached at email- fokoruddincse@gmail.com